News from the Government

Consultation – Reporting and acting on child abuse and neglect

This consultation outlines options for reform of the child protection system in England, specifically in relation to reporting and acting on child abuse and neglect. It seeks views on the possible introduction of one of 2 additional statutory measures:

a mandatory reporting duty, which would require certain practitioners or organisations to report child abuse or neglect if they knew or had reasonable cause to suspect it was taking place

a duty to act, which would require certain practitioners or organisations to take appropriate action in relation to child abuse or neglect if they knew or had reasonable cause to suspect it was taking place

30 hours childcare toolkit

In September 2017, three- and four-year-olds of working parents will become entitled to 30 hours of free childcare a week. Many early years providers including schools are preparing to offer these funded hours, either directly or in partnership with others. The Department for Education will publish a hands-on, practical toolkit in September 2016 to guide and inform providers considering partnership working. The toolkit will be published on the Family Childcare Trust’s website.

Paediatric first aid consultation outcome

The DfE has published a summary of responses it received on the consultation, along with the government’s response outlining the next steps.

The government has decided to proceed to include, from 1 September 2016, a requirement in the EYFS that for newly qualified early years staff (with full and relevant level 2 or level 3 childcare qualification) to also hold a current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) or emergency PFA certificate in order to be included in the required ratios in an early years setting. Childcare providers will be allowed a three month ‘grace’ period to complete PFA training after starting work with a new employer.

Ofsted report on disadvantaged children

Ofsted has published a survey which reports on how good local authorities and early years providers are in helping disadvantaged families and their young children. In particular, it looks at implementation and impact of national and local policies on early years providers in some of the most deprived areas of England.

Be inspired to make teaching your future and inspire young children every day.

Becoming an early years teacher means you can play a big part in children’s lives, at a key stage in their development.

Each training route provides a balance of placement experience and teaching theory. You’ll also be supported by experienced teachers throughout your training.

Make a difference to the lives of children from birth to five years, apply today. There is still time to secure an early years teacher training place starting in September 2016, just get in touch with one of our training providers. Visit www.education.gov.uk/earlyyears and register your interest today.